by “We’ll take it back.” — Serban Grancamano Heldail II
Dark, mythic, and deeply emotional, Re Cervin is the second serialized manga by Kousuke Hamada, the acclaimed creator behind Hanebado!. Unlike his previous work, grounded in sports drama, Re Cervin is a bold departure—an epic dark fantasy set in a war-torn world plagued by sorcery, ancient dragons, and the ghosts of a broken legacy.
With over 300,000 copies in circulation and serialization in Weekly Big Comic Spirits (Shogakukan), Re Cervin has carved a space for itself as one of the most promising seinen manga in recent years. If you’re a fan of Kentaro Miura’s Berserk, The Witcher, or Vinland Saga, this one’s for you.
Here’s everything you need to know about this powerful manga—and why it absolutely deserves your attention.
What Is Re Cervin About?
Set in the fictional continent of Heimgard, a world reminiscent of medieval Europe, Re Cervin follows the story of:
- Bohn Cervin Grancamano Heldair, a fallen king who returns to a ruined kingdom.
- Arsinoe, his daughter, is a ten-year-old princess who loses her memories of him in exchange for sealing away a resurrected evil dragon.
The kingdom of Helenthal is destroyed by a treacherous ally—the Empire of Ilia—and an ancient threat, the dragon Skiarwin, awakens. Arsinoe uses a forbidden power, the Madwoman Who Eats Memories, to suppress the dragon. But the price? Her memories of her father.
Now, the duo—one without a home, the other without memories—set out across a shattered world to reclaim what they’ve lost.
Who Created Re Cervin?
Kousuke Hamada, known for the sports manga Hanebado!, is the creator of Re Cervin. This is his first foray into the fantasy genre, and according to Hamada himself, it was a longtime dream.
“If I were to serialize again, I’d want to do a fantasy story… and I wanted to draw an evil dragon that makes a big impact.”
Hamada is not just drawing from surface-level tropes—he’s channeling influences from The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and Berserk, combining intricate worldbuilding with grounded character drama.
Even more impressive: he draws everything by hand—layouts, characters, backgrounds, panel lines. His wife assists only with screen tones, making this one of the most handcrafted fantasy manga being published today.
Themes: Memory, Legacy, and Myth
What happens when a daughter no longer remembers her father? What does a king fight for when all he held dear is lost? At its core, Re Cervin is a story about:
- Grief and memory: What do we sacrifice to protect the future?
- Legacy: Can a king reclaim not just his kingdom, but his connection with his daughter?
- Faith and myth: The world is steeped in ancient lore, where gods, demons, and dragons are not just legend—they’re real.
The name Re Cervin evokes rebirth through suffering. With myth-like pacing, the manga balances epic battles with introspective dialogue, emotional sacrifices, and moral complexity.
As the story progresses, Serban must rally allies from neighboring kingdoms like Suflandel and Harpania, and seek the aid of ancient tribes like the Loni, to fight against the Ilia Empire and the dark forces it has unleashed.
Along the way, we learn about the ancient history of Heimgard, the Evil Dragon Skiarwin, and the mysterious beings known as Demons—entities born from faith, sealed away by the People of Paradise, and capable of extraordinary powers.
Setting: A Fantasy World on the Brink
- Heimgard: A continent shaped by the ancient war against the evil dragon 1000 years ago.
- Helenthal: The fallen kingdom of the protagonist.
- Ilia Empire: The invading force led by the sinister Prince Contrano II.
- Paradise People: A magical race that once sealed the evil dragon.
The entire setting is steeped in history, with each region, clan, and myth contributing to the epic scale.
Who Are the Main Characters?
Arsinoe and the Power of Memory
Arsinoe is no typical princess. She’s part human, part Avatar—born of her mother Hannah, who sealed the dragon alone for 1000 years. Within Arsinoe lies the power to command Demons, mysterious divine-like beings sealed across Heimgard.
She harbors powerful entities like the Wind-Carrying Whale (Balfeet) and others as she travels, becoming the key to sealing the evil dragon once again. But each time she uses the Madwoman’s power, she sacrifices a memory—a haunting price to pay.
Her relationship with Serban is at the heart of this story: a king trying to rebuild a bond that has been erased, and a child warrior forced to grow up far too soon.
Who Is Bohn Cervin Grancamano Heldair?
Serban is a giant of a man, literally and figuratively. A descendant of the ancient Heldailians, he’s over 100 years old but still a formidable warrior wielding the Meteorite Thunder Axe, made of Orphen Steel. After losing his wife and country, he now journeys to unify mankind against a common threat.
His quest isn’t just about war—it’s about healing, about rekindling a broken bond with his daughter, and about honoring his ancestor Serban I, the first hero who once sealed the dragon.
The Villain: Contrano II and the Kingdom of Ambrosia
The third prince of the Ilia Empire, Contrano II, is a scheming, power-hungry man who killed Queen Hannah and launched the invasion. In an attempt to merge with the Evil Dragon and gain eternal power, he now rules the former Helenthal under the name Kingdom of Ambrosia, unleashing dark monsters and corrupt magic upon the land.
He’s advised by Archbishop Samael of the Holy Church of Ilia, and serves as a chilling villain who mirrors the descent into madness when power becomes obsession.
The Evil Dragon & Demons
The dragon Skiarwin is the core threat—a creature of immeasurable magical energy that devastated the world a millennium ago. It was sealed away by the shrine maiden Hannah—Arsinoe’s mother—but with her death, the seal breaks.
To control Skiarwin once more, Arsinoe must bond with demons—divine beings created from human belief and sealed by ancient mages. This lore-heavy system makes for an exhilarating mix of theology and magic.
Why Did Hamada Redraw the First 5 Chapters?
In a rare move, Hamada redrew Chapters 1–5 entirely for the tankōbon release. Why?
“Originally, the serialized version focused more on the worldbuilding, but I realized readers needed to connect with the drama first—especially Serban and Arsinoe.”
These new versions shift the POV more clearly to Serban and include iconic scenes—like Serban carrying Arsinoe on his back through the ruins and swearing to reclaim their homeland.
It’s more than a rewrite—it’s a creative refinement for greater emotional impact.
Art Style: A Dark Fantasy Visual Feast
One of Re Cervin‘s strongest points is its visually stunning artwork. Hamada seamlessly blends medieval aesthetics with gothic horror, making each panel feel like it belongs in a painted epic. The design of the Evil Dragon, the Demons, and the environments—cathedrals, castles, scorched battlefields—are all deeply immersive.
- Atmospheric backgrounds were drawn entirely by Hamada.
- Detailed costumes, armor, and gothic elements reminiscent of Berserk and Castlevania.
- Vivid, emotionally expressive characters—especially in scenes of war, grief, and magic.
It’s no surprise the manga draws comparisons to Berserk, Vinland Saga, and Claymore—not just for its dark themes, but for its heavy atmosphere, detailed linework, and mythic scale.
If you love traditional analog manga art, Re Cervin is one of the few modern series that refuses digital shortcuts.
Volume 5 and What Lies Ahead
In recent volumes, the story continues to raise stakes. Volume 5 sees Serban and his allies under attack in Suflandel. New characters awaken to powers, like Princess Rosalica, and Arsinoe begins to transform into a warrior, not just a vessel for sealing magic.
The clash between nations, the involvement of ancient tribes, and the slow rise of Arsinoe as a symbol of resistance all point to a much larger narrative that is still unfolding.
Notably, over 100 pages were redrawn from scratch for the manga volume editions, showing the creator’s commitment to quality and world-building.
Publication and Reception
While Re Cervin isn’t mainstream yet, its reception has been strong among seinen readers:
- Amazon JP rating: 4.9/5 – High praise for both art and narrative
- eBookJapan rating: 4.0/5 – Some critiques on pacing and gore, but still positive
- Manga forums praise the emotional father-daughter dynamic and mythological depth
- Some warnings about erotic/grotesque content—common in dark fantasy—but tastefully handled
In a saturated fantasy market, Re Cervin is carving a unique path by balancing visceral action with intimate emotion.
Why You Should Read Re Cervin
If you’re into any of the following, Re Cervin is highly recommended:
- Berserk – for dark lore, cursed powers, and epic scale
- Claymore – for demon-slaying heroines with tragic pasts
- Vinland Saga – for historical influence and morally complex characters
- The Witcher – for monster hunting, ancient prophecies, and flawed heroes
- Attack on Titan – for a father-daughter bond set against an apocalyptic backdrop
also,
- If you want a grounded fantasy with emotional weight and mythic stakes.
- If you’re tired of overpowered protagonists and want a story about flawed, determined people surviving in a brutal world.
It’s not for just anyone, but for seinen readers who crave something thoughtful, raw, and beautifully drawn, it’s a must-read.
What the Author Says…
“I wanted to depict a fantasy world where myths exist. Even if a tragic fate awaits, someone thinks of someone else… I cherish those feelings.”
Hamada poured years of planning, 20+ drafts, and personal emotion into the foundation of Re Cervin. It’s not just a manga—it’s his vision of what fantasy should be.
Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
Re Cervin is a slow-burning epic that rewards patience. The stakes are high, the emotions are raw, and the world is unforgettable. If you’re looking for your next dark fantasy obsession, this is it.
A king with no country.
A daughter with no memories.
A dragon that should never have awakened.
Everything you want in a dark fantasy—and then some.
FAQs About Re Cervin
Q: Who is the author of Re Cervin?
A: Kousuke Hamada, best known for Hanebado!.
Q: What genre is Re Cervin?
A: Dark fantasy/seinen with emotional drama, war themes, and mythical elements.
Q: Where is it serialized?
A: Weekly Big Comic Spirits (Shogakukan).
Q: How many volumes are out?
A: As of now, 6 volumes have been released.
Q: Is it being adapted into an anime?
A: No official news yet—but it has all the ingredients to be.
Q: Where can I read it?
A: Available in Japan via Shogakukan and through Amazon JP. English licenses have not yet been confirmed.
